New BYD–Stingray Integration Signals How Dashboard Audio Could Evolve.

On the heels of its deal to acquire TuneIn, Stingray is launching a co-branded music, podcast and radio solution for automakers worldwide. The service will debut as BYD Audio by Stingray in a unique partnership with the Chinese automaker BYD. Stingray says the launch is one of several automotive deals underway.

BYD’s electric cars are not yet for sale in either the U.S. or Canada. But the brand is sold in more than 70 countries, with a strong presence in Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Going forward, Stingray’s service will be seamlessly integrated as an in-vehicle infotainment service that can be tailored to any automaker’s brand identity and target demographic. That includes Stingray’s full suite of music products, including its streaming service Calm Radio, and the Stingray Karaoke feature.

With the BYD Audio by Stingray service, drivers of BYD vehicles will also gain access to hundreds of curated music channels refreshed weekly with the latest hits and new releases, over 4 million podcasts, and access to thousands of global radio channels. It means drivers can effortlessly switch between a music library, an interactive gamified karaoke experience, and calming soundscapes for a more relaxing drive.

On the dashboard, drivers easily navigate the content options by genre and era, on a platform that features high-resolution album artwork, and includes customizable color themes. The platform’s business applications are just as flexible, supporting both premium and ad-supported subscription models.

Jim Riley, President of Stingray Music USA, says they are excited by early consumer reactions to the product. “By integrating our full suite of audio products, from chart-topping music to karaoke and wellness, we are collectively redefining what in-car entertainment can be and providing a co-branded engaging solution for automakers,” he says in the announcement.

BYD Audio by Stingray is scheduled to begin rolling out over-the-air in BYD’s European markets across all vehicle models in early 2026. It will then expand to all BYD markets around the globe.

“BYD is a technology company, and we’re always focused on making the latest innovations accessible to customers,” BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li said. “Stingray’s suite of audio services will play an important role in our cutting-edge cabin features. We’re excited that BYD Audio by Stingray will offer customers an exceptional, world-class music, podcast and radio experience to enhance every journey.”

How TuneIn Fits In

Stingray Group’s pending acquisition of TuneIn for up to $175 million announced in November was driven partly by the automotive potential. TuneIn CEO Rich Stern told Inside Radio that radio’s digital transition is accelerating, and the combined company put radio in a stronger competitive posture as broadcasters face the potential of carmakers no longer keeping AM/FM receivers in their dashboards.

“Our ability to work together with the OEMs can accelerate our distribution in the car for both EVs and for legacy vehicles,” Stern predicted. He also pointed out that automakers are redefining in-car media experiences, with brands retaking control of dashboards from third parties, similar to what BYD has just done with Stingray.

Stingray CEO Eric Boyko predicted that in the next 5 to 10 years Stingray and TuneIn will be embedded in every car manufacturer in the world to create OEM-branded radio experiences like “Ford Radio” or “Toyota Radio” that blend Stingray channels, TuneIn’s player, and Stingray’s karaoke product.